Religion, Values, and Ethics at Abercerdin

Our Vision

At Abercerdin, Religion, Values, and Ethics (RVE) is a vital part of our curriculum, supporting children’s understanding of themselves, others, and the world around them. Our approach nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and ethical awareness, enabling learners to explore diverse perspectives in a meaningful and inclusive way.

Links to Children's Rights

RVE at Abercerdin supports children’s rights as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), including:

• Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion (Article 14)
• The right to cultural participation and identity (Articles 2, 7, 15, and 30)
• The right to express their beliefs and values in a respectful and inclusive environment

By engaging with these rights, pupils develop respect for diversity, an understanding of global citizenship, and the confidence to explore their own values and ethics.

Our Curriculum Design

Our RVE curriculum provides a rich and engaging framework for learning. It enables pupils to:

1. Develop an Understanding of Religion and Worldviews

• Explore religious and non-religious worldviews, including faith, spirituality, secularity, and identity.
• Investigate the key beliefs, traditions, and practices of major world religions and philosophical perspectives.
• Engage with the lived experiences of religious and non-religious individuals and communities.

2. Explore Big Questions About Life and Meaning

• Reflect on concepts such as belief, faith, truth, purpose, meaning, and Ultimate Reality.
• Examine different perspectives on knowledge, authority, morality, and ethics.
• Consider deep, thought-provoking questions about human nature, life, and the world.

3. Develop Ethical and Moral Thinking

• Investigate issues of justice, rights, values, and social action.
• Explore concepts such as equality, tolerance, freedom, prejudice, discrimination, and extremism.
• Reflect on personal and societal responsibilities, encouraging informed and responsible citizenship.

4. Build Critical Thinking and Reflection Skills

• Use BLOOMS, our model for critical thinking, to analyse religious, moral, and ethical issues.
• Engage in meaningful discussions, debates, and reflections.
• Develop reasoning skills that enable pupils to form and articulate their own perspectives.

5. Make Real-World Connections

• Link learning to local, national, and global issues.
• Understand how religion, values, and ethics shape societies and influence real-world events.
• Encourage active engagement in school and community-based initiatives.

RVE in Practice at Abercerdin

We bring Religion, Values, and Ethics to life through:
✅ Explicit teaching of world beliefs – A structured approach to exploring religious and non-religious perspectives.
✅ Big Questions approach – Encouraging curiosity, deep thinking, and open discussion.
✅ Real-world links – Exploring contemporary issues and how they relate to values, ethics, and belief systems.
✅ Reflection on our world – Providing opportunities for pupils to consider their role in making a difference.
✅ Local and global contexts – Studying issues of diversity, identity, and sustainability.
✅ Developing critical thinking – Using our BLOOMS model to evaluate ethical and moral dilemmas.
✅ Inclusive reflection and collective worship – Age-appropriate daily opportunities for personal reflection, ethical discussion, and moments of stillness.
✅ Stories, school events, and visitors – Engaging learning experiences that bring religion, values, and ethics to life.

A Curriculum That Inspires

At Abercerdin, we believe RVE should be thought-provoking, inclusive, and empowering. Our approach equips pupils with the knowledge, skills, and values to navigate an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. Through engaging enquiry, meaningful reflection, and active participation, we help our learners develop a strong sense of identity, respect for others, and the confidence to shape a better future.